Switch for systems of electric locomotion



(No Model.)

F. WEEELEE. SWITCH EOE SYSTEMS OF ELEOTEIS LOOOMOTION. No. 421,535. Patented Feb. 18,1890.

N. PETERS, Phniol-hhogmpher, Washinghrl. D. C.

U ITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRANK WHEELER, OF MERIDEN, CONNECTICUT.

SWITCH FCR SYSTEMS OF ELECTRIC LOCOMOTION.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 421,535, dated February 18, 1890.

Application filed June 19, 1889- tion.

My invention relates to improvements in switches for systems of electric locomotion in which two overhead wires are used to conduct the current and form tracks for the trolley. In switches as heretofore constructed for such systems it has been found difficult to avoid short-circuiting when the switch is shifted;

and the object of my invention is to overcome this objection, and also to provide a switch which, when shifted to .either one of the two branch tracks, will remain in that position without being mechanically secured therein.

To this end my invention consists in a rising-and-falling or vertically-movable and laterally-adjustable switch-track; and my invention also consists in the construction and combination of parts, as hereinafter described and claimed.

In the drawings which accompany and form a part of this specification, Figure l is a plan view of my switch complete, a portion of the framebeing broken out. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the same. Fig. 3 is a crosssection on line a: w of Fig. 2, showing the switch-block and hanger in elevated or in termediate position. Fig. 4 is a similar view showing the switch block and hanger in lower or fixed position. Fig. 5 is across-section on line y y of Fig. 2, looking toward the hangers. Fig. 6 is anlenlarged detail view, hereinafter referred to.

Similar letters of reference indicate similar parts throughout the several views.

The switch-frame is in the form of an acute triangle, and consists of the two longitudinally-diverging bars A A, the short end bar A, the longer end bar A and the brace -rods A To the short bar is suitably secured a Serial No. 314,814. (No model.)

means, and the foot is cut away under the horizontal portion of the wire at at, so that the top of the wire will be level with the rest of the foot. Each foot at the end toward the center of the switch is also cut away and provided with a hole at a to receive the down wardly-turned end of one of the switch-tracks C, as shown in Fig. 6 and in the cut-away portion of Fig. 1.

The two switch-tracks C are supported near their moving ends by the switch-hanger G. The longer frame-bar A has two pairs of hangers B, similar to but lighter than the hangers B. The feet of hangers B are cut away under the wires of the double track, as are the feet of hangers B under the wires of the single track at the other or narrow end of the frame, and the double-track wires havetheir ends secured inthe same manner as the ends of the single-track wires. By this construction of frame the long bars A support the thrusting strain of the Weight, due to the end bars being held together by the brace rods A To the bars A, near the wider end of the frame, is secured a horizontal casting or guide D, having a slot at, with a depression or recess 6!" at each end of the slot. This slot is for the friction-roller e of the shifting-block E to ride in. piece 6, with parallel sides, the upper side of which rides against the upper face of the slot cl when passing from one end of the guide to theother, and the lower side of which rests on the bottom of the slot cl when the shiftingblock reaches the end of the guide, and the roller 6 drops into either one of the recesses 01. The shifting-block carries on the axis'of the roller an annular flange 6 which slides along the face of the casting, and carries also a hook or ring for attachment of the shiftingcord F. Sheaves f for the cord F are provided on the bars A. The shifting-block carries the switch-track hanger G, which sup The shifting-block has a horizontal ports the switch-tracks O, which hanger passes down on the side of the guide or casting opposite from flange 6 In operation it will be seen that when the switch-tracks are to be shifted the cord l3 draws block E so as to lift roller c out of its recess, thus lifting the tracks high enough to avoid short-circuiting, and then the block moves to the end of the casting and roller 6 drops into the other recess, thus securing the track in that position with its ends in contact with the hanger-feet without other fastening means.

Instead of providing the casting with aslot of the form shown, said slot might be in the form of an arch or curve, and the arch or curve might be reversed in form. In other words, the switch-tracks might be arranged to move under the ends of the feet of hangers B, instead of over them; but in this cons'truction there would be the necessity of firmly holding the switclrblock when at one end of the casting. By thus constructing a rising-and-falling as well as laterally-movable switch-track I not only avoid short-circuiting, but also am able to have a close meeting between the ends of the switclvtracks and the feet of the hangers, which connect with the branch tracks without interference whe shiftin It is to be understood that while the form of hangers shown herein is for a trolley such as shown in my patent, No. 401,616, April 16, 1889, the switch may have other forms of hangers for other forms of trolleys.

In Fig. 5 I show the form of hangers preferably employed. The same form and construction of hangers may be employed throughout the system to support at suitable intervals the wire conductors or trolley-tracks.

For such purpose they will be made much motion having two conductors, a hanger conlighter than is necessary in a switch, since in such case they have only the weight of the wires to support, while in the switch the tension of the wires would have a tendency to break off the hangers; and also forsuch purpose the feet are provided with any suitable clips to hold the wire instead of being cut away and provided with holes, as shown, in r the switch.

In Figs. 2 and 5 it will be seen that the hanger-feet are provided with shoulders or seats Z), on which the ends of the switchtrack rest when in position for use; butt-hose seats are not indispensable.

The switch-hanger is a vertically-arranged piece of wood connected rigidly to the shifting-block and having at its lower end outwardly-projecting arms having pins which enter short slots in lugs projecting from the lower side of the switch-tracks. The wood hanger forms a perfect insulator, and the pinand-slot connection allows for the are motion described by the tracks.

It is to be understood that my invention relates only to double conductors or switch* tracks, as in-the case of a single conductor or track there is no danger of short-circuiting when the switch is moved.

Having now described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In a switch for systems of electric locomotion, the combination, with the frame thereof, of a vertically-movable and laterallyadjustable double switch-track, substantially as described.

2. In a switch, the combination, with the frame having single-track hangers at one end and a plurality of track-hangers at the other end, of a double swinging switch-track havin g its adjustable end vertically and laterally movable, substantially as described.

3. In combination with a switch-frame, a hanger having a portion of its foot cut away and a 1101c at the inner end of the cutaway portion for the reception of an electric wire, and means for clamping the end of the wire, substantially as described.

4;. In combination with a switch frame and track, the guide D,having the horizontal slot cl and the two recesses cl, and the shiftingblock E, carrying switch-track hanger G, and means for operating the shifting-block, substantially as described.

5. In a switch for systems of electric locosi'sting of a block of wood connected at its upper end to the shifting-block and having at its lower end an outwardly-projeeting arm on each side for connection with the two switclvtracks or conductors, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two subscribing witnesses.

FRANK WHEELER. \Vitn csses:

Gno. H. BowKiN, T. Bownns. 

